A Living Renaissance Legend on Lake Como
Commanding an idyllic shoreline setting on Lake Como surrounded by 25 acres of centuries-old botanical parkland, Villa D'Este is universally celebrated as an enduring icon of world hospitality. Built in 1568 as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and converted into a luxury hotel in 1873, it has served as the aristocratic playground of European royalty, statesmen, and cultural luminaries for over 150 years.
Surrounded by towering cypress trees, fragrant jasmine, ancient plane trees, and Renaissance statues, Villa D'Este is a destination unto itself. Guests stroll along the romantic lakeside promenade, marvel at the 16th-century polychrome Mosaic Nymphaeum, or relax beside the world's most photographed heated floating swimming pool built directly upon the waters of Lake Como.
Aristocratic Renaissance Heritage
Originally designed by architect Pellegrino Pellegrini in 1568 for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, then home to Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales, before becoming a grand hotel in 1873.
25 Acres of Botanical Parkland
Enchanting Italian Renaissance gardens filled with centuries-old trees, classical statues, water features, and the historic 16th-century monumental Mosaic Nymphaeum.
World-Famous Floating Pool
The globe's first heated floating swimming pool suspended directly in Lake Como, accompanied by integrated hydro-massage baths and the chic lakeside Sundeck Bar.
World-Class Sporting & Wellness
Eight red clay tennis courts, squash court, electronic golf simulator, private boat dock with handcrafted wooden Lucia boats, and Biologique Recherche Beauty Center.
The Villa D'Este Experience
Palatial Rooms, Suites & Private Villas
With 151 guest rooms and suites distributed between the historic Cardinal Building and the Queen's Pavilion (Padiglione della Regina), no two accommodations at Villa D'Este are alike. Each room is adorned with authentic antique furniture, Como silk tapestries, velvet draperies, and opulent marble bathrooms, blending centuries of royal pedigree with bespoke contemporary luxuries.
The Cardinal Suite
Set on the noble floor of the Cardinal Building, this legendary residence features a massive private terrace suspended over Lake Como, antique Renaissance furniture, salon, and marble bathroom with whirlpool tub.
- Unobstructed panoramic Lake Como views
- Expansive private furnished terrace
- Separate grand reception salon & dining
- Italian marble bathroom with jacuzzi
Presidential Suite
An extraordinary palatial suite in the Queen's Pavilion offering sweeping lake vistas from its private balcony, double salon living room, walk-in wardrobe, and two opulent Carrara marble bathrooms.
- Private lakeview balcony overlooking Cernobbio
- Double salon with period antique furnishings
- Two full marble bathrooms
- Complimentary Bang & Olufsen audio system
Junior Suite Lake View
Sumptuously appointed suite with large French windows framing picture-perfect vistas of Lake Como. Includes a comfortable sitting area, authentic Como silks, and a spacious marble bathroom.
- Direct views over the waters of Lake Como
- Dedicated living area with sofa and armchairs
- Handcrafted Italian marble bathroom
- Pillow menu & bespoke Italian linens
Double Deluxe Lake View
Harmonious and bright guest room combining neoclassical flair with contemporary comfort, featuring French balconies framing water views, king bed, and polished stone bathroom.
- Balcony or grand picture windows with lake views
- Carrara marble bathroom with deep tub
- Fine Como silk upholstery
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi & safe
Four Standalone Private Villas on the Estate
For the ultimate in privacy and bespoke seclusion, Villa D'Este offers four historic private villas scattered throughout the 25-acre gardens: Villa Cima (built in 1814 on the water's edge), Villa Malakoff (perched on a private hill with sweeping views), Villa Garrovo (featuring private fitness gym and inner courtyard), and the Mosaic House (nestled beside the 16th-century nymphaeum). Contact our luxury desk for private villa inquiries.
Epicurean Mastery on the Water's Edge
Dining at Villa D'Este is an institution in Italian gastronomy. From formal jacket-and-tie silver service under the vaulted glass dome of The Veranda to wood-fired grilled specialties under fragrant wisteria arbors at The Grill, every culinary moment is paired with vintage Italian wines and mesmerizing lake views.
The Veranda
Villa D'Este's crown jewel. Enclosed in grand glass windows that open out to the gardens and Lake Como during summer, offering classic silver service and refined Italian haute cuisine.
The Grill
Surrounded by ancient plane trees and centuries-old parkland, The Grill delivers a warm, convivial atmosphere with wood-fired prime steaks, roasted lake fish, and artisanal Lombard pastas.
Il Platano
An al fresco lakeside gem nestled beneath towering plane trees right on the shoreline, presenting contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and an inspired selection of Italian crus.
Canova Bar
A legendary social crossroads for more than a century. Savor signature Bellinis, vintage Negronis, and fine champagnes while listening to gentle live piano music on the lakefront terrace.
The World-Famous Floating Pool & Sporting Club
Designed and built directly upon the lake surface, Villa D'Este's heated floating swimming pool was a world first. Guests enjoy hydro-massage jets while floating on Lake Como itself, surrounded by sunbeds, white umbrellas, and dedicated service from the Sundeck Bar.
Heated Floating Lake Pool
Built directly into Lake Como with integrated Jacuzzis and panoramic Alpine lake vistas.
Clay Tennis & Sporting Club
Eight red clay tennis courts, squash courts, sauna, Turkish steam room, and indoor heated pool.
Private Mahogany Water Taxis
Handcrafted wooden Lucia boats and luxury water taxis departing from Villa D'Este's private dock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Villa D'Este is situated at Via Regina 40 in Cernobbio on the western shore of Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy. It is located just 5 km north of Como city center, 55 km from Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP, approx. 45 minutes by private car), and 35 km from Lugano, Switzerland.
Vincent Vacations guests receive full daily buffet breakfast for two at The Veranda Restaurant, a $100 USD food and beverage credit per stay, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, priority room upgrade upon arrival, and early check-in and late check-out subject to availability.
Villa D'Este was commissioned in 1568 by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio as his summer residence. In 1815 it became the home of Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales and wife of King George IV of England, who renamed it Nuova Villa d'Este. In 1873, it was converted into a luxury hotel and quickly established itself as an essential stop on the Grand Tour for European aristocracy and royalty.
Villa D'Este features the world's first and most famous heated floating pool, suspended directly in the waters of Lake Como with built-in Jacuzzis and an adjoining sundeck bar. The property also features a heated indoor pool in the Sporting Club, a sauna, Turkish bath, and eight red clay tennis courts.
Yes, Villa D'Este offers four ultra-private standalone historic villas nestled within the 25-acre gardens: Villa Cima (built in 1814 on the lake edge), Villa Malakoff (perched on a hill with lake views), Villa Garrovo (fully restored with private gym and courtyard), and the Mosaic House (adjacent to the 16th-century nymphaeum). All villas enjoy full hotel services and dedicated staff.